Women & Bleeding Disorders
Women & Bleeding Disorders
A common misperception exists that women do not have bleeding disorders. However, we now know this is far from true. Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), the most common bleeding disorder, affects all individuals equally, regardless of sex. It is estimated that roughly 1% of the population has VWD, meaning that more than 3 million Americans the condition.
Carriers of hemophilia with low factor levels often suffer from problem bleeding. They have been called symptomatic carriers and may be said to have mild hemophilia. Women and girls may also have factor I, II, V, VII, X, XI, XIII deficiencies and platelet disorders.
Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis
Because of the myth that women do not have bleeding disorders, their condition often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This can cause serious consequences for women. Unfortunately it has led to some women suffering with debilitating menstrual bleeding every month without treatment. It has also resulted in unnecessary hysterectomies, life-threatening complications during childbirth, surgery, and after injury and accidents.
Since Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is so common, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has issued a recommendation that every adolescent girl with severe menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) be screened for VWD. They have also recommended VWD screening for any adult woman with significant menorrhagia without another cause, and prior to any hysterectomy for excessive menstrual bleeding.